This contact lens can detect diseases

Scientists have developed contact lenses embedded with transparent biosensors that could

help monitor blood glucose levels and trace diseases without tests.

Bio-sensing lenses are based on technology used to make smart phones with more vivid

displays. Researchers from Oregon State University first developed an inexpensive method to

make indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) electronics. They then used the approach to fabricate

a biosensor containing a transparent sheet of IGZO field-effect transistors and glucose

oxidase.

When they added glucose to the mixture, the enzyme oxidised the blood sugar. The pH level

in the mixture shifted and triggered changes in the electrical current flowing through the

IGZO transistor. Researchers then created nanostructures within the IGZO biosensor that

were able to detect glucose concentrations much lower than found in tears. The biosensors

could transmit health data to smartphones, said Gregory Herman.

Source: The Times of India